Porcelain

Sparta was spawned after the demise of now legendary rock outfit, ‘At The Drive In.’ It’s that other spin-off band that’s not The Mars Volta. There’s a good chance you’ve heard of them, but whether or not you’ve actually listened to the group is a toss-up.

Porcelain opens up with “Guns Of Memorial Park” which pretty much sets the tempo for the rest of the record. It’s a mid-paced tune with wailing guitars, solid vocals, and a unique drumming style. All of the songs on this album are driven heavily by the guitars, just like any self-respecting rock album should be. While the singer doesn’t stray too far out of his comfortable vocal range, he does a good job at keeping every song sounding different.

At times, this album is very optimistic, and at others, it can remind you that there is a darker side to everything. This duplicity is a nice feature, which is sometimes complemented by, of all things, the drumming. The uplifiting tunes on this record are accented by bright drumming, complete with shimmering hi-hat and cymbal work, while the more dismal tracks find an almost jungle-like drum groove to them. Standout tracks include the lazy “Lines In the Sand” which shows the band’s ability to utilize dynamics very effectively. The tune builds up to the last chorus, where it peaks and gently fades off into oblivion. “End Moraine” is probably the most angry, passionate song on the album, where the lyrics to “Revisionist History” are belted with unquestioned passion. My favorite track on the album, by far, is the closer “Splinters.” The guitar melody is just so catchy and invigorating that I can’t help but be drawn to it. It is a very energetic tune, perhaps more lively than the rest of the album.

The introspective lyrics on the album are ambiguous enough to allow individual interpretation. They are not plainly worded, but not so cryptic that you need a dictionary at your side to enjoy them.

Production on the record is stellar, giving the guitars a slightly organic feel and not polishing them too much. The drum mix is great, with a very earthy feel to it as well. When put together, this makes the album almost seem as if it was recorded live with vocal overdubs.

The bottom line is that this is a very well thought out album from a band that writes well thought out songs. Sparta is a melodic rock outfit that should not be defined by what the members have done in the past, but by what they are doing right now. And I think they are doing a pretty dang good job!